Question:

My jogging results decreased considarably when using an antidepressant. (Forgot the name, started with an i )

Imipramine? Besides that, I slept poor, had problems with shitting (sorry, don’t know a good english phrase), dizzyness when standing up and more.

Yup.  That sounds like imipramine. Imipramine’s common side effects include   sedation   dry mouth   blurred vision   urinary retention   constipation   orthostatic hypotension (dizzyness when standing up)   weight gain (moderate)   myoclonus (involuntary muscle jerks, especially at night)   lowered blood pressure   increased heart rate In my own experience, imipramine puts me to sleep very effectively, but I often wake up after two or three hours, and sometimes have trouble getting back to sleep afterwards. I haven’t heard of any special problems with running, although sedation could be the problem, I suppose. Anyway, if you can’t tolerate the side effects, there are many other antidepressants that don’t have these particular ones.  You should mention the problems to your doctor and ask whether it would be advisable to change drugs. S. suricata

Response:

Hello folks– I’ve been prescribed Effexor XR for just over a month for moderate depression. I started at the lower doses of 37.5 and 75 mg. for two weeks, and I’ve been on the 150 mg. dose (once a day) for nearly 3 weeks.  I’ve had very few of the *customary* side effects and I’m tolerating the 150 mg. dose well, and the medication is really working well at alleviating my depression. However, I think the medication is negatively affecting my harder runs–specifically my recent 5K to 5 mile races, and my tempo/interval workout on Wednesday evenings.  For example, I’ve slowed down about 1:30 for my 5K time (29:15 in mid-November to 30:45 on New Year’s Day), and I’m considerably slower running my interval workout when I take my pill the morning of the workout.  Yesterday I experimented by skipping my pill, and ran my workout great–like before I started on the medication.  However, last nite I had very vivid dreams while sleeping (the second time this has happened), and felt groggy when getting up–which passed after I took my pill after eating breakfast this morning. Does anyone here on the newsgroups know specifically about the cardiovascular effects of anti-depressants?  Will my running/training be compromised for as long as I’m on the medication?  I’ll be mentioning this to my psychiatrist when I see her soon, but I thought I’d ask about it here first.  Since she told me that I could expect to be on medication this time for over a year (this is my 3rd recurrence of depression in 16 years), I’d really like to get this little *wrinkle* straightened out sooner instead of later! Thanks in advance– Jean Barto Newport News, VA — "If you are going through hell, keep going." Winston Churchill

Response:

Venlafaxine (Effexor) has a minor CNS depressant effect that in theory *could* have affected your performance. In general, sports and meds should be kept separate if possible. M99

Response:

My jogging results decreased considarably when using an antidepressant. (Forgot the name, started with an i ) Besides that, I slept poor, had problems with shitting (sorry, don’t know a good english phrase), dizzyness when standing up and more.

Response:

Question:

Can anyone tell me if it is normal that ejaculation is postponed and less powerful when using Zoloft 75mg a day? No, it’s normal to have no ejaculation, and no erection.

is there any sexual side effects in women’s cases? thanks

Response:

is there any sexual side effects in women’s cases? thanks

Yes, the big O is difficult to achieve…more so than usual, that is! So unfair: Zoloft effectively takes the edge off daily life, at the high price of diminishing one of the reasons for living!!

Response:

I can identify.  The thing that saves me from depression depresses me. I take Effexor now (for a couple of years) but it started half way through the Prozac (about 4 years into that 8-year stint).  Tried Welbutrin but that made me really crazy.         -seph [I'm paul but you already got one, so I'll be seph, as in joseph or persephone] :::   Yes, the big O is difficult to achieve…more so than usual, that is! So :::   unfair: Zoloft effectively takes the edge off daily life, at the high price of :::   diminishing one of the reasons for living!!

Response:

Can anyone tell me if it is normal that ejaculation is postponed and less powerful when using Zoloft 75mg a day?

Yes. It’s normal. Supplementary Wellbutrin may help. It is often used to ameliorate the sexual side effects caused by antidepressant medication, and has been shown in numerous clinical studies to be effective for this purpose. Speaking of Wellbutrin, it also so happens that Wellbutrin is an antidepressant in its own right, noteworthy for not having this particular side effect that you are complaining about. C//

Response:

Can anyone tell me if it is normal that ejaculation is postponed and less powerful when using Zoloft 75mg a day?

No, it’s normal to have no ejaculation, and no erection.

Response:

Question:

Struggling to survive <OnTheRebo…@home.net

wrote in message

news:7__U3.48644$23.1836784@typ11.nn.bcandid.com… | it’s been really hard these 15 years pretending | everything is ok when my kids couldn’t have things other kids had while my | ex lived a lavish lifestyle.  So there’s been many times when she | disappointed the kids not even sending a birthday card that I wished I had | done an O. J. on her the night I watched through the window her screwing my | "friend" | | do you think I’m bitter?  Lol | ok ladies let the flames begin ) No flames from me.  I think you have done a great job… #1. for letting her live and #2. for raising your children in a stable home.  I applaud you for that. Bitter? You?  nah!  :o)  LOL Tee

Response:

In article <7__U3.48644$23.1836…@typ11.nn.bcandid.com

, "Struggling to

survive" <OnTheRebo…@home.net

wrote:

|  I on the other hand I’m a guy and we don’t get things like child custody | and child support much less alimony. Well, I’m a guy too… With my lawyer on a carefully managed leash, I counter sued for divorce. As I could substanciate my claims much better than she could, my case made it. When this became evident, suddenly mediation became an option…  From her ‘take the kids, and everything’ start, we separated on joint custody, with the kids have a choice, if we lived far appart; and the person without the kids having to provide (minor) financial support for the kids. When I moved from Manitoba to BC, all three of my kids chose to come with me. I raised them, essentially by myself, for the next 6 years (until they were ready to be on their own). YMMV — Take care James (#11)

Response:

On 06 Nov 1999 17:04:08 GMT, kamatth…@aol.com (Kathi Matthews) wrote:

And he said this with a straight face? Kathi

Not only said it, but had his lawyer write it down.  At that time in Pennsylvania, there was no "no fault" divorce.  Somebody had to be to blame, and it turned out to be me. Being a sort of mild-mannered lady, hayfever was about the worst of the sins he could come up with. Kate

Response:

Hello ’struggling to survive’.  You won’t be getting any flames from me. It’s good to hear your story so the men with MS going through a divorce can see what might be coming at them down the road.  You are one strong person! Lorraine Reed. Struggling to survive <OnTheRebo…@home.net

wrote in message

news:7__U3.48644$23.1836784@typ11.nn.bcandid.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

So there’s been many times when she disappointed the kids not even sending a birthday card that I wished I had done an O. J. on her the night I watched through the window her screwing

my

"friend" do you think I’m bitter?  Lol ok ladies let the flames begin )

Response:

Paul, It is very likely that the extreme fatigue and the unusual need for sleep is related to stress. You have been under terrible stress for several months now, with no letup. The lawyer seems like a jerk, but you do have to look after your own interests. Gaylan Paul Jones <Paul_Jo…@btinternet.com

wrote in message

news:38236527.82029857@btinternet.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Went to my GP this morning to get a repeat perscription for the sertraline (Zoloft) and talked about the fatigue and MS etc. He reckons I might have a thyroid problem to boot I hope not or do I? I guess I could just take some thyroxin and all this godamn tiredness would go away. That does it, I’m going to get out my spirit level and check my bed – I suspect that it must be perfectly horizontal Still three autoimmune diseases does seem a bit bloody rotten luck especially since I’m a bloke and they are rarer for us than for gals. 15 months ago I thought I was a perfect specimen of health. Oh well, it could be worse – I know some of you have more than this and worse ones as well. Blessings 1 – Curses 999. The nurse took 15 million little phials of blood and I’m a complete baby. Had a ‘flu jab as well. Bet I get a relapse from that – things just aren’t smiling at me right now. Next I went to my lawyer. No wonder so many people wind up in bitter divorce battles. The guy was so adversarial. He said (with relish) that this case was no ordinary divorce and he could stack up the MS as a good weapon and was just itching to tear up the pre-nuptual <sp? that muggins signed a couple of days before the knot was tied. He said it had no meaning in an English court and we could start to tear into all my wife’s assets in Spain. It made me quite sick. I’m a daft bugger but I refuse to descend to this level. I knew what I was signing, so I shall honour it. I see him getting me

Question:

Hi, There is no physical test (blood, etc.) that can determine if you have OCD.  The only way is to describe your symptoms and feelings to the pdoc.  You may want to schedule a normal exam with your regular doctor to rule out any other physical problems. That would be up to you. A Zoloft/Xanax combination would be a good first choice for someone with OCD or OCD like tendencies. Why do you think you may have OCD? The symptoms you describe below could be OCD, or they might be a lot of other things.  Are your thoughts consistently about "bad" things that may happen, or are they "going over" everyday events and worries?  Do you repeat the same thought over and over or do you think about a lot of different things? Do you have any physical compulsions like checking and rechecking things, or hoarding things? I’m kind of interested in this sort of stuff, because I have OC tendencies a lot of times, but I don’t believe I have OCD. I believe I may have a personality disorder that is kind of similar to OCD but is not the same. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have what i though was anxiety attacks.  as i have read up on things it appears i have many similarities with OCD.  i have been going to a phsychiatrist but he wasn’t really the one for me.  he imediatly put me on Zoloft, with out any tests or checkups.  I have reaccurring thoughts about everything.  i just can’t seem to "get over things". i constantly concentrate on physical flaws i feel i have.  i think the biggest problem is dealing with things.  i can’t seem to think clearly or objectively.  my thoughts are constantly crowded with the same thoughts over and over.  the phsychiatrist also gave me xanax, which helps alot, but i have heard bad things about the drug like depression and dependance.  can someone please give me some insight.  anything would be good right now. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

I have what i though was anxiety attacks.  as i have read up on things it appears i have many similarities with OCD.  i have been going to a phsychiatrist but he wasn’t really the one for me.

Find another pdoc if you aren`t happy with this one. Only a pdoc can diagnosis you. OCD is a anxiety disorder, and you can have panic disorder and OCD at the same time, that is why you need to see a new doctor and get diagnosed. he imediatly put me on Zoloft, with out any tests or checkups.

A pdoc is not going to test you or do a checkup on you. He will diagnosis you by what you tell him. It is always a good idea to go to a medical doctor for a complete physical and to make sure there is no physical reason for your symptoms. A Pdoc will not do this for you. Zoloft can be quite effective for anxiety and OCD. It does take 6 to 8 weeks to become effective though. I have reaccurring thoughts about everything.  i just can’t seem to "get over things". i constantly concentrate on physical flaws i feel i have.  i think the biggest problem is dealing with things.  i can’t seem to think clearly or objectively.  my thoughts are constantly crowded with the same thoughts over and over.  the phsychiatrist also gave me xanax, which helps alot, but i have heard bad things about the drug like depression and dependance.  can someone please give me some insight.  anything would be good right now.

It is good to take the Xanax while weaning on the Zoloft. I haven`t seen many people here complain of depression while on Xanax, and if that were to happen there are other benzo`s you can take. You will become dependent on the Zoloft as well as the Xanax, and all that means is you will have to stop the meds slowly when the time comes. Many meds cause a physical dependency and this shouldn`t be confused with *addiction*. If you use the Xanax as prescribed by your doctor you will not get addicted to it. Take care!!!! Jackie

Response:

I have what i though was anxiety attacks.  as i have read up on things it appears i have many similarities with OCD.  i have been going to a phsychiatrist but he wasn’t really the one for me.  he imediatly put me on Zoloft, with out any tests or checkups.  I have reaccurring thoughts about everything.  i just can’t seem to "get over things". i constantly concentrate on physical flaws i feel i have.  i think the biggest problem is dealing with things.  i can’t seem to think clearly or objectively.  my thoughts are constantly crowded with the same thoughts over and over.  the phsychiatrist also gave me xanax, which helps alot, but i have heard bad things about the drug like depression and dependance.  can someone please give me some insight.  anything would be good right now. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have what i though was anxiety attacks.  as i have read up on things it appears i have many similarities with OCD.  i have been going to a phsychiatrist but he wasn’t really the one for me.  he imediatly put me on Zoloft, with out any tests or checkups.  I have reaccurring thoughts about everything.  i just can’t seem to "get over things". i constantly concentrate on physical flaws i feel i have.  i think the biggest problem is dealing with things.  i can’t seem to think clearly or objectively.  my thoughts are constantly crowded with the same thoughts over and over.  the phsychiatrist also gave me xanax, which helps alot, but i have heard bad things about the drug like depression and dependance.  can someone please give me some insight.  anything would be good right now. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Hi, How long have you been on the zoloft? I’m pretty sure that SSRI’s are standard treatment for OCD as well as anxiety. I think luvox is used frequently for OCD. Sometimes it takes weeks for an AD to kick in.  I don’t think I have OCD, but being on an SSRI has eliminated 99% of my worries, and ruminations. Haven’t heard of too many people here depressed from xanax. It didn’t affect me that way.   If you are worried about dependence on xanax, there are ways to taper off of it.  If your still having the recurring thoughts/anxiety while on zoloft after 8 weeks, it might not be the correct med for you. Maria

Response:

OCD is an anxiety disorder.  Panic disorder,  post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder are all ANXIETY DISORDERS.

Response:

Question:

Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

Response:

Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

Hi Diana! I’m glad to hear that you actually found a pdoc who seems to be doing everything right! Starting Zoloft at 12,5 mgs and then weaning on slowly with Xanax on the side is absolutely the best way to avoid or minimize initial side effects. Such docs are rare and as you also like her as a person you’ve been very lucky. About the wedding: maybe Zoloft will not yet be at therapeutic dose after three weeks, but Xanax will keep PA’s at bay. If necessary you could take some more Xanax that day – Xanax works very fast and will take care of an upcoming PA or prevent one from manifesting itself at all within 15-20 minutes for many people -but you should talk this over with your doctor. Philip

Response:

Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

 That is exactly the right way to start and if you DO experience any increase in anxiety while starting ask your doctor for a temporary amount of a benzo, for example Xanax to help you get past that, and to help you in the period where you are waiting for the real effects of the Paxil. I would surely want a bit for the wedding on hand just in case, as your Paxil wont probably be at full therapeutic levels at that time. Best of Luck! May — "Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!"      -                Nietzsche

Response:

DynaSoft66 wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello everyone i have not posted in a while but just wanted to let everyone know that i went for my first psych visit, she started me on 0.5mg of xanax and gave me the zoloft starter kit, she said start with the 25mg and cut them in have so that i will only be taking 12 1/2 mg for 4 days then take 25mg for a week then start on the 50mg. so i dont have many side effects she wants my body to adjust slowley. I  really like her my family doc wanted to start me on 50mg my psych doc says thats to much to start on so thats why she is starting my slowly. Has anyone else started slow like this, I am in a wedding in 3 weeks and i am hoping that i wont have one of my attacks while standing up there for 1 hr. ok well i guess i am done. Talk to everyone soon Diana

Hi Diana, glad to hear you found a good pdoc, sounds like she is on top of things. You definitely want to start slow to minimize initial side effects, don’t try taking more to rush yourself into being ready for the wedding, this probably won’t help. You may see some improvement in the next three weeks, let’s hope so. Good luck with the Zoloft/Xanax combo. Ray

Response:

Question:

Hello All, I’ve been bipolar for years and have anxiety that truly gets in the way. Well last Wed. I saw a therapist for the first time in many years and told her how I felt. Friday I get a call from her saying that my pdoc wants me to go on Celexa asap. I’m a little reluctant as I just got off Serzone a month or so ago. (I never thought I had any luck with A/D’s at all). Does anone take Celexa here? I found out its only been out since July/98. If so e-mail me your results, I would appreciate it. Ihave the bottle sitting here but not sure if I’m going to use it. Please Help!!! Thanks…Mike

Response:

Mike ,     On thursday when I see my Psychiatrist I am going to ask to try Celexa. I have worn out Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Lithium ( not for me at all, made me a zombie) and Luvox. Would love to hear from anyone also , why they took it, how they felt. pcangel

Response:

This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

Response:

I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

Response:

From ~ dawn ~: I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

I think it’s a great antidepressant, and I’ve taken a lot of them. Doesn’t make me drowsy, but doesn’t make me speedy either. I take 30 mg, too. It’s kind of like a second generation Prozac, with the "kinks" worked out. At least that’s what my therapist says… -kk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

  <<<<http://members.home.net/karensears<<<< – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

Response:

I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

Response:

From ~ dawn ~: I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

I think it’s a great antidepressant, and I’ve taken a lot of them. Doesn’t make me drowsy, but doesn’t make me speedy either. I take 30 mg, too. It’s kind of like a second generation Prozac, with the "kinks" worked out. At least that’s what my therapist says… -kk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

  <<<<http://members.home.net/karensears<<<< – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Question:

    Recently I read a study on sibutramine (Meridia).  I had read several others, but not recently.  In this study patients on 5 mg lost more weight than those on placebo.  Patients taking 20 mg lost far more than those taking 5 mg or placebo.  All patients were consuming structured diets, using behavioral modification, and mild exercise.     My question is this: since the drug appears useful in weight reduction (which I guess it’d have to be, to have ever been approved) why are so many people not seeing results with it?  I know a few people have seen results, but the majority, myself included, have been disappointed.     Why would prior phen-fen use make one less likely to benefit from Meridia (which seems to be the common opinion)?  I only took Meridia for 4 weeks; I didn’t want to fork out that much money for another month if it wasn’t doing anything.  Do the effects increase with time?  The study I refer to was only a 12-week study, although none of the participants  were currently using other meds, so phen users would have been excluded from the study.     Any ideas? Adria

Response:

I’ve been on 10mg per day of Meridia for two weeks and I’ve lost 8 pounds. As a purely subjective speculation, I wonder if it may be effective for so few people because it may work on just a single cause of obesity, that being due to an out-of-whack appetite. For as long as I can remember I’ve been able to look at what most people would consider a normal sized portion of food and know before I ever start eating that my appetite won’t be satisfied until I eat two or three times that amount. This is even more of a problem with sweet and/or fatty foods than it is with things like fruits and vegetables. I also tend to think about food very frequently throughout the day and as a result eat frequent snacks. This is independent of habit, mood, emotional or physical condition or any other variable I can think of. The bottom line is I just seem to be hard-wired to overeat. The Meridia seems to have almost magically "reset" my perception of how much food is enough. I prepare small portions of relatively healthful, varied kinds of foods, and even though sometimes my stomach feels physically hungry, I can easily resist what is now a much weakened urge to snack or overeat. And although it’s a distant secondary consideration, the price of the medication is a motivating factor, too! I’d hate to be spending so much money on something that turned out to be ineffective. Of course I realize 2 weeks isn’t very long, but since my doctor is concerned about my gradually but steadily increasing blood pressure and has told me a weight loss of even 10 or 20 pounds will likely prevent my having to control it with medication, even the weight I’ve already lost is of beneft.

<most of reply snipped – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -4) In the Meridia studies, patients did the best on the larger doses (20 and 30 mg), but the blood pressure results were unacceptable. The largest dose Knoll could get approved was 15 mg. Of the surveys I’ve gotten (something like 300 of them), I’d say about 80 percent of the people were not satisfied with the results they got. Barbara Barbara Hirsch, Publisher Obesity Meds and Research News OMR Web Site: http://www.obesity-news.com

Response:

   Why would prior phen-fen use make one less likely to benefit from Meridia (which seems to be the common opinion)?  

Here are a few reasons: 1) Phentermine and fenfluramine are releasers and reuptake inhibitors, Meridia is only a reuptake inhibitor of norepinephrine and serotonin. 2) Phentermine works on dopamine, whereas Meridia has a very small action on dopamine (which is one of the reasons some folks get sleepy on it). 3) Most people develop some what of a tolerance to obesity medications after a while. So if you develop a tolerance,  and you start taking a weaker drug, you are likely to see poor results. Of course, every one’s receptors are different, and YMMV. 4) In the Meridia studies, patients did the best on the larger doses (20 and 30 mg), but the blood pressure results were unacceptable. The largest dose Knoll could get approved was 15 mg. Of the surveys I’ve gotten (something like 300 of them), I’d say about 80 percent of the people were not satisfied with the results they got. Barbara Barbara Hirsch, Publisher Obesity Meds and Research News OMR Web Site: http://www.obesity-news.com

Response:

I’ve been on 10mg per day of Meridia for two weeks and I’ve lost 8 pounds. As a purely subjective speculation, I wonder if it may be effective for so few people because it may work on just a single cause of obesity, that being due to an out-of-whack appetite.

Meridia doesn’t work on any cause of obesity, it’s an appetite suppressant, and the serotonin component *may* help with OCD. But the jury is still out on that. But phen/fen didn’t work on a cause of obesity either. At this point in time researchers conclude that a variety of "susceptibility genes" cause people to be obese. The only way you could accurately treat an obese person is by knowing what those genes were, and then develop drugs or gene therapy to treat. We are many, many years from that point. I can easily resist what is now a much weakened urge to snack or overeat. And although it’s a distant secondary consideration, the price of the medication is a motivating factor, too! I’d hate to be spending so much money on something that turned out to be ineffective.

I’m glad it’s working for you. There’s no arguing with success <G! Of course I realize 2 weeks isn’t very long

No it isn’t. Let me know how you feel in another six months. If you still think it’s effective. Barbara Barbara Hirsch, Publisher Obesity Meds and Research News OMR Web Site: http://www.obesity-news.com

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    Recently I read a study on sibutramine (Meridia).  I had read several others, but not recently.  In this study patients on 5 mg lost more weight than those on placebo.  Patients taking 20 mg lost far more than those taking 5 mg or placebo.  All patients were consuming structured diets, using behavioral modification, and mild exercise.    My question is this: since the drug appears useful in weight reduction (which I guess it’d have to be, to have ever been approved) why are so many people not seeing results with it?  I know a few people have seen results, but the majority, myself included, have been disappointed.    Why would prior phen-fen use make one less likely to benefit from Meridia (which seems to be the common opinion)?  I only took Meridia for 4 weeks; I didn’t want to fork out that much money for another month if it wasn’t doing anything.  Do the effects increase with time?  The study I refer to was only a 12-week study, although none of the participants  were currently using other meds, so phen users would have been excluded from the study.

My own belief is that the mechanisms involved are quite different.  If you were having success with phen/fen, this points heavily in the direction of problems with serotonin levels (Phen increases the release of serotonin, fen slows down the reabsobtion).  Meridia does not greatly affect the serotonin levels – it works (when it works) in other ways.  So it PROBABLY would be true in the other direction as well – IF you are helped by Meridia the odds would be good that Phen/Fen wouldn’t help you much (if you could get it).

Response:

My own belief is that the mechanisms involved are quite different.  If you were having success with phen/fen, this points heavily in the direction of problems with serotonin levels (Phen increases the release of serotonin, fen slows down the reabsobtion).

Phentermine is thought to act by releasing dopamine and retarding its reuptake.  I’ve never heard of it affecting serotonin. Meridia does not greatly affect the serotonin levels – it works (when it works) in other ways.

Siburamine is, like venlafaxine (Effexor), a NE/SRI, reducing the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin. — Steve Dyer

Response:

Harold, I read what you wrote about Phentermine. You got it all wrong. I’d suggest reading the articles on Phentermine on the web site for Rx on the Internet. Love your Dutch name. I am Dutch also.   John Bowen   Nipomo, California   http://www.thegrid.net/jhbowen/life.htm  "Too bad the only people who know how to run this country are too   busy driving cabs and cutting hair." — George Burns

Response:

phentermine releases stored norepinephrine. Main site of activity appears to be thecerebral cortex and the reticular activating system. Promotes nerve impulse transmissions by releasing stored norepinephrine from nerve terminals in the  brain.

I always understood amphetamine, phentermine and the like worked (to the extent that we know how any of these drugs "work") by enhancing the release and reducing the reuptake of dopamine, not NE. — Steve Dyer

Response:

phentermine releases stored norepinephrine. Main site of activity appears to be thecerebral cortex and the reticular activating system. Promotes nerve impulse transmissions by releasing stored norepinephrine from nerve terminals in the  brain.

Response:

Steve, Since sibutramine inhibits re-uptake of serotonin and dopamine, do you think that Wellbutrin (buproprion) would also work for weight loss since it is a dopamine-reuptake inhibitor?   Thanks! Cindy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – phentermine releases stored norepinephrine. Main site of activity appears to be thecerebral cortex and the reticular activating system. Promotes nerve impulse transmissions by releasing stored norepinephrine from nerve terminals in the  brain. I always understood amphetamine, phentermine and the like worked (to the extent that we know how any of these drugs "work") by enhancing the release and reducing the reuptake of dopamine, not NE. — Steve Dyer

Response:

Since sibutramine inhibits re-uptake of serotonin and dopamine, do you

Serotonin and norepinephrine. think that Wellbutrin (buproprion) would also work for weight loss since it is a dopamine-reuptake inhibitor?  

Although bupropion is one of the few antidepressants that rarely causes weight gain, and often causes a slight amount of weight loss in people taking it for depression, and even though it’s chemically related to the anorectic drug diethylpropion (Tenuate), I don’t think it’s a very powerful drug when it comes to weight loss. — Steve Dyer

Response:

If one is already taking Prozac, is it safe to try Meridia? I used Fen/Phen and Prozac successfully with no side affects and had good results in  weight loss, FM pain relief, and depression control. My doctor is recommending Meridia, but would like to have me discontinue the Prozac, I’m worried about removing the Prozac. Have been advised by other doctors not to stop taking it because of previous "crashes" following attempts to come off it.

Response:

If one is already taking Prozac, is it safe to try Meridia?

Meridia product info specifically states "no Prozac." My doctor said the same thing. Weening off Prozac should help "crashes." This is conjecture…I "crashed" big time 4 weeks after stopping cold (only 20mg dose/day). It was not fun, but only lasted about 2 weeks. Waited another week before starting Meridia and am not having any difficulty. I used Fen/Phen and Prozac successfully with no side affects and had good results in  weight loss, FM pain relief, and depression control. My doctor is recommending Meridia, but would like to have me discontinue the Prozac, I’m worried about removing the Prozac. Have been advised by other doctors not to stop taking it because of previous "crashes" following attempts to come off it.

– Mary

Response:

I don’t know about Meridia, but if it’s like Phentermine you CAN’T take Prozac with it. Please refer to an MIT study posted at: http://drugawareness.org/MIT.html Appetite suppressants are MAO inhibitors and cause an internal battlefield when paired with anti-depressant drugs such as Prozac (or fenfluramine, the phen/fen combo we all know and love.) From the article: "Maher said that the information that appears on drug labels, in the   Physician’s Desk Reference and on package inserts that reach   consumers is negotiated between the manufacturer and the    FDA."When the labels for phentermine and Sudafed were negotiated,    their MAO inhibitory activity was not known or appreciated or    considered to be important. And apparently there was no requirement    for phentermine’s label to be updated 20 years ago when it was first    shown to be an MAO inhibitor," he said.    The new findings also probably explain why only a handful of the tens     of millions of patients outside America who took drugs in the     fenfluramine family without phentermine developed pulmonary     hypertension or heart valve lesions, and almost all of these people were     also taking other drugs that we have found are unrecognized MAO      inhibitors," he said." So, my advice would be to find out if Meridia (like all other appetite suppresants is an MAO inhibitor). If so, Prozac and Meridia can be a dangerous combination. Good luck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If one is already taking Prozac, is it safe to try Meridia? Meridia product info specifically states "no Prozac." My doctor said the same thing. Weening off Prozac should help "crashes." This is conjecture…I "crashed" big time 4 weeks after stopping cold (only 20mg dose/day). It was not fun, but only lasted about 2 weeks. Waited another week before starting Meridia and am not having any difficulty. I used Fen/Phen and Prozac successfully with no side affects and had good results in  weight loss, FM pain relief, and depression control. My doctor is recommending Meridia, but would like to have me discontinue the Prozac, I’m worried about removing the Prozac. Have been advised by other doctors not to stop taking it because of previous "crashes" following attempts to come off it. — Mary

Response:

I don’t know about Meridia, but if it’s like Phentermine you CAN’T take Prozac with it.

There’s no absolute contraindication in taking phentermine with Prozac. Please refer to an MIT study posted at: http://drugawareness.org/MIT.html Appetite suppressants are MAO inhibitors and cause an internal battlefield when paired with anti-depressant drugs such as Prozac (or fenfluramine, the phen/fen combo we all know and love.)

Appetite suppressants like amphetamine and phentermine are "MAO inhibitors" only in an extremely restricted sense; one with unproven clinical relevance, despite the claims on that web page. The reason you wouldn’t want to take Prozac and Meridia together is that they both act as serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (with Meridia also acting as a norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor.) — Steve Dyer

Response:

Question:

It’s KOOL how people let their inners talk here.  I like to read these posts, even though my own inners shall not come out much anymore.

Response:

No, Dante, I don’t think your raggin on me.  I really appreciate how you’ve explained things to me.  I think your really kool.  Don’t worry about the spelling, I understand what you’re trying to get across. Hope your 4th went well. eterniti

cool you aint p*ssed. an cool you can get what Im sayin even if I dont spell so hot. seem like virtual mode is okay with ya. cool she talked with ya an your gettin along. dont know if what I had to say did any thing. but okay. Im cool.   later Dante

Response:

Okay, I see where the whole miscommunication started.  Using exclamation points to me isn’t like I’m yelling.  I use ‘em a lot, random-like.  Like this! doesn’t mean I’m yelling and I am truly truly sorry that he thought that.  I honestly didn’t mean to be seeming like I was yelling.  People can live how they like, I have no place to dictate anything like that.  Thank you very much for explaining it to me, Dante.  I should watch my typing and be more careful because I honestly honestly didn’t mean it that way.

its cool. cool with me any way. gess I see it like this if folks are sayin stuf thats like not raggin those ! dont mean yellin. but if folks are like riled up an upset or somethin an use em like you did its like yellin. gess its a mater of what your talkin bout. like you used em here an it dont look like yellin cuz your not bein sereus an kritikle. did I spell that right? me I dont spell so hot. I dont much care but may be folks dont get what Im sayin. VM:  I don’t think you should stay inside, I think you should come out more often.  I am truly sorry you thought I was yelling at you.  I didn’t mean it to seem that way.  Is there anything I can do to make it up to you? ~a very sorry eterniti

very cool eterniti. hope you dont think Im raggin on you.     Dante – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Be the change you want to see in the world.           -Ghandi

Response:

Okay, I see where the whole miscommunication started.  Using exclamation points to me isn’t like I’m yelling.  I use ‘em a lot, random-like.  Like this! doesn’t mean I’m yelling and I am truly truly sorry that he thought that.  I honestly didn’t mean to be seeming like I was yelling.  People can live how they like, I have no place to dictate anything like that.  Thank you very much for explaining it to me, Dante.  I should watch my typing and be more careful because I honestly honestly didn’t mean it that way.   VM:  I don’t think you should stay inside, I think you should come out more often.  I am truly sorry you thought I was yelling at you.  I didn’t mean it to seem that way.  Is there anything I can do to make it up to you? ~a very sorry eterniti Be the change you want to see in the world.           -Ghandi

Response:

Well, I’m glad I didn’t come off as rude…. If it’s any consollation, I think you are real.  I will listen to you.  I understand your anger.  It just hurts me to hear you say such negative things about someone.

this dont make no sense to me. isnt a consollation some stars in the sky that make a picture? any way its cool you think virtual mode is real an that you will listen. why it hurt you its not bout you? Bunch a z*n freaks. Hey, I’m a Z*n "freak" too thank you.  :)

no ofense spose to spat those words words that gotta do with r*lgions. But if you get sick and tired of seeing her like that, why don’t you do something about it?  cursing and complaining and insulting won’t do a d*mn thing to change anything.

sure it does. it makes folks know they dont like some thing. And no matter what you say, I still think of her as a wonderful peson.

dont think what virtual mode said was bout the person but the body. it you dont like the body you dont like the body. kinda simple like that. But you are as well, in your own rights.  Your emotions are justified!

thats right! Maybe I had no right to say anything to start, but hearing insults is one of my defensive  trigger buttons.

is that how you got hurt? I knew I should have stayed inside.  Now my negatory vibes are gonna make people not like me No, it’s okay to come out.  You can’t keep this tension and anger locked up inside for ever!  I don’t think any less of you, I just think there are other ways than insults.

well may be he dont know any other way to say how p*ssed off he feels an then when he does he gets jumped on for it! dont blame him at all for wantin to shut up now an not be round for folks to know hes round. not cool to open your mouth an then get told you did it it wrong. real drag. this is probly why I aint seen teens round here so much bc they say stuf an then get jumped on. real cr*p thing to do to some body who dont talk very much. get that same sh*t round here to an Im sick of it! Hoping to hear from you, tierra

thatd be a meericle. Dante

Response:

Hey, I like you. Opinions are like ’ssholes everyone’s got one. You certainly have a right to yours. To everything else you said I say "’men sister!" Boy how I can relate! Veronica – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive: yes virtual mode Hey, I know this is gonna sound rude most likely, but why don’t you be a little nicer to her! Well, by my standards, you don’t sound rude at all.  By my standards, I’M the rude one.  I’m rude for a reason.  Because I have very little say so and no one listens to me, why should I be miss nicey nice?  Being ‘nice’ to other people who treat me like I’m not real and having not a sould listen to me is too humilitating.  At least my anger and rudeness allow me to retain my dignity and pride.  Dignity and pride are all I have.  If those two things change, I become, like nothing but dirt under their fingernails.   If she has a weight problem, talking like that will do nothing. If anything, it could make it worse by causing negative feelings. She has enought negative feelings for the whole continuum here.  I dont’ ’cause’ negative feelings, I was CREATED by negative feelings.  And in trying to break away from the mould I was made from, I find that my rebellion is negative.  Everything I touch is somehow connected to something negative. Terra would tell me, ‘don’t say negative, say receptive’.  But that’s a bunch of hokey New Age bullsh*t.  Bunch a zen freaks.  Be supportive.  Encourage her to do healthy things.  But nicely!  It can’t be as bad as you make it sound, and even if it is, what doesitmatter? Because I got to live here too.  I get sick and tired of seeing that big fat gut protruding out in front of me and that big fat *ss sticking out behind. The back HURTS because of all of the fat sticking out everywhere.  And when people look at us with contempt, it doesn’t bother Terra but it does bother me!!  I’m the one who feels the pain.  They sin in haste, while I repent at leisure. She is a wonderful person! Not from where I’m looking.  You should see how the rest of the family walks on eggshells because of the combination of US.  No one ever knows what to expect. I knew I should have stayed inside.  Now my negatory vibes are gonna make people not like me. VM tierra…. hoping I didn’t offend anybody but felt I had to say that                          You yourself, as much as anybody in the                      entire universe, deserve your love and attention                                               -Buddha From the ashes, Phoenix — "Fear is the true enemy, the only enemy." — For more information about this service, send e-mail to:

Response:

Well, I’m glad I didn’t come off as rude…. If it’s any consollation, I think you are real.  I will listen to you.  I understand your anger.  It just hurts me to hear you say such negative things about someone. Bunch a zen freaks.

Hey, I’m a Zen "freak" too thank you.  :) But if you get sick and tired of seeing her like that, why don’t you do something about it?  cursing and complaining and insulting won’t do a d*mn thing to change anything. And no matter what you say, I still think of her as a wonderful peson. But you are as well, in your own rights.  Your emotions are justified!  Maybe I had no right to say anything to start, but hearing insults is one of my defensive  trigger buttons. I knew I should have stayed inside.  Now my negatory vibes are gonna make people not like me

No, it’s okay to come out.  You can’t keep this tension and anger locked up inside for ever!  I don’t think any less of you, I just think there are other ways than insults. Hoping to hear from you, tierra                           You yourself, as much as anybody in the                       entire universe, deserve your love and attention                                                -Buddha

Response:

Question:

I take a total of 375mg of Effexor (75mg tablets).  Does it matter when I take it?  I know that certain drugs it doesn’t matter when or how you break up the dosage, but in others it does make a difference.  Thanks for your help. T*A*R

Response:

Apparently, Effexor needs to be taken twice a day as it doesn’t stay in the system as long as others. p – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I take a total of 375mg of Effexor (75mg tablets).  Does it matter when I take it?  I know that certain drugs it doesn’t matter when or how you break up the dosage, but in others it does make a difference.  Thanks for your help. T*A*R

Response:

<Posted and Mailed Apparently, Effexor needs to be taken twice a day as it doesn’t stay in the system as long as others.

With that (375 mg) high of a dose of Effexor, I would definitely suggest taking it 4 times per day in order to level out the amount of antidepressant in a person’s system. I found that taking Effexor only twice per day induced ultra-rapid hypomanic swings in me. There is now a new extended release form of Effexor that should reduce this probability. However I have not personally tried that formulation. p I take a total of 375mg of Effexor (75mg tablets). Does it matter when I take it?  I know that certain drugs it doesn’t matter when or how you break up the dosage, but in others it does make a difference.  Thanks for your help.

That is a lot of Effexor! My guess is that your mood stabilizer is not doing its job for you adequately — if you need that large of a dosage of AD to keep you out of depression. I suggest that you talk with your pdoc if you are not satisfied with the effectiveness of your current mood stabilizer. If you start to take either of the two newer mood stabilizers (Neurontin or Lamictal), I strongly recommend that you discuss with your pdoc about cutting way back on your Effexor dose — else you will run the risk of being rapidly sent into (hypo)mania. BTW I take all my meds (with the exception of certain antibiotics and insulin) with meals or milk. This seems to help with stomach irritation and nausea. YSMV (Your Stomach May Vary). T*A*R

HTH! Best regards from, James — * Since I do not get a complete Newsfeed, I would appreciate receiving * * a copy of any responding posts. Please also indicate if you are      * * posting as well as emailing me. Thanks for helping me out!           *

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -bm…@haven.ios.com wrote:

In <01bb6ec9.66374280$5de5d3c6@#glang, "Lori Lang" <70471.1…@compuserve.com writes: I need some help from anyone who can give it.  I’m 36 years old and I’ve been an insomniac my whole life.  I have trouble getting to sleep and if I get to sleep I can’t stay asleep.  I get 2-3 hours of sleep a night.  When I was young, I started taking antihistamines at night (I had allergies) and although I didn’t feel great the next day, I slept.  Any time I didn’t take them, no sleep.  I’ve gone more than a week with no sleep at different times in my life.  I could take antihistamines until last year, when they started irritating my stomach.  I had to get some help. I follow all of the rules:  no eating after dinner, turn down the lights at night, meditate, stress reduction, blah blah blah.  I’m convinced that whoever came up with the list has never had a sleepless night, because those things don’t seem to matter.  I’ve tried melatonin, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, herbs.  I finally went to the doctor and had a sleep study done.  It came back that my sleep is severely abnormal, I’m not getting to stage 3 or 4, and that I should take antidepressants. I’ve tried 4 different antidepressants.  I had allergic reactions to 2 of them (Prozac, Effexor), and two made me sick (Pamelor, Serzone).  The only thing that has helped is Ambien, but that’s nothing that anyone will prescribe for me on an ongoing basis.  But it’s heaven.  It’s the only thing that works. Unfortunately, I’m not someone who feels okay without sleep.  I’ve been told by three doctors now just to live with it because that’s the way I am.  I’d almost rather be dead than live like this.  It’s a nightmare (so to speak). Nobody feels okay without sleep.  Almost everyone on this newsgroup knows how devistating sleep deprivation can be.  It’s a shame you found three separate doctors who merely told you to "live with it".  Are these general practitioners? Have you seen a sleep specialist?  It seems to me that you need the help of someone who specializes in sleep problems and can understand the severity of your problems when you don’t sleep.  I don’t know too much about Ambien but I have seen postings here from people who have taken it regularly – one person for a couple years, I believe. Please, see a doctor who is both willing and capable of understanding your sleep problems.  Too many doctors know very little about sleep disorders and don’t understand their seriousness. –BillM

http://www.micronet.fr/~mondor

Response:

"Lori Lang" <70471.1…@compuserve.com

wrote: I finally went to the doctor and had a sleep study done.  It came back that my sleep is severely abnormal, I’m not getting to stage 3 or 4, and that I should take antidepressants.   I’ve tried 4 different antidepressants.  I had allergic reactions to 2 of them (Prozac, Effexor), and two made me sick (Pamelor, Serzone).  The only thing that has helped is Ambien, but that’s nothing that anyone will prescribe for me on an ongoing basis.  But it’s heaven.  It’s the only thing that works.

First, let me say I sympathize with you.  Don’t give up hope!  Myself I have had a very bizarre sleep schedule my whole life, but I feel better since I recently figured out I have Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (with a non-regular pattern and bouts of sleep-deprivation…but anyway…) I might not have any advice for you, but I have a question because I am very curious about sleep disorders.  This question is for anyone who happens to know:     Why/when are anti-depressants prescribed for sleeplessness?  Are they only used in cases like hers where the sleep is very abnormal? When I complained to my physician of frequent insomnia, I was first told to take benadryl, and another time prescribed Xanax (only 10 of them.)  So, those would be more in the sedative category I guess (with benadryl actually an antihistamine and drowsiness being a side-effect?) I always hated the way those made me feel the next day–I don’t WANT to sleep for 9-10 hours and wake up feeling as though I have a brick on my forehead!  I love to be awake and doing stuff.  I tried melatonin too–it made me groggy but did not make me want to sleep, and when I finally went to sleep it was for 9-10 hours and I’d wake up a little groggy.   So, now I know that my natural sleep schedule is somewhere around sleeping from 9AM to 5PM, and I’d be comfortable doing that.  BUT in the mean time, I have in the past lost jobs for being late, been late for class, and I can’t guarantee I’ll ever make it to the bank, the post office, a dentist appointment, etc.  I’m almost impossible to wake up before that time–I sleep through all kinds of alarm clocks.   Now I have to get a job (I’m beyond broke from my summertime binge of sleeping when I want–but I ended up feeling like I was home with a disability), which means I have to get up at a decent hour to apply for a job, even to apply to work the night shift.  I have just recently tried taking 5mg of Valium, and am amazed that it has worked great for me!  I thought I would end up feeling groggy, but I have felt sleepy in a natural way in about 15 minutes after taking it, and wake up in the morning (ok well, it’s still the afternoon, but at least it’s early afternoon) feeling ALERT, moreso than I normally do. My alarm clock wakes me up!  (Still takes a few to get me out of bed, but at least I hear the alarms now.)  And I can do that after sleeping only 6-7 hours. So, can anyone tell me about problems taking Valium in order to sleep? Is my reaction similar to other people’s, and could I possibly use it to reset my circadian clock?  I have only tried it three times so far. I’d much rather sleep naturally, but it looks like that’s not going to happen. Thanks for listening, ~Moo * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Speak out against hatred and discrimination! Write your Senators TODAY and tell them to vote NO to the ridiculous "Defense of marriage act." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * http://www.mindspring.com/~moomoo/index.html

Response:

In <01bb6ec9.66374280$5de5d3c6@#glang

, "Lori Lang" <70471.1…@compuserve.com writes:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I need some help from anyone who can give it.  I’m 36 years old and I’ve been an insomniac my whole life.  I have trouble getting to sleep and if I get to sleep I can’t stay asleep.  I get 2-3 hours of sleep a night.  When I was young, I started taking antihistamines at night (I had allergies) and although I didn’t feel great the next day, I slept.  Any time I didn’t take them, no sleep.  I’ve gone more than a week with no sleep at different times in my life.  I could take antihistamines until last year, when they started irritating my stomach.  I had to get some help. I follow all of the rules:  no eating after dinner, turn down the lights at night, meditate, stress reduction, blah blah blah.  I’m convinced that whoever came up with the list has never had a sleepless night, because those things don’t seem to matter.  I’ve tried melatonin, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, herbs.  I finally went to the doctor and had a sleep study done.  It came back that my sleep is severely abnormal, I’m not getting to stage 3 or 4, and that I should take antidepressants.   I’ve tried 4 different antidepressants.  I had allergic reactions to 2 of them (Prozac, Effexor), and two made me sick (Pamelor, Serzone).  The only thing that has helped is Ambien, but that’s nothing that anyone will prescribe for me on an ongoing basis.  But it’s heaven.  It’s the only thing that works. Unfortunately, I’m not someone who feels okay without sleep.  I’ve been told by three doctors now just to live with it because that’s the way I am.  I’d almost rather be dead than live like this.  It’s a nightmare (so to speak).

Nobody feels okay without sleep.  Almost everyone on this newsgroup knows how devistating sleep deprivation can be.  It’s a shame you found three separate doctors who merely told you to "live with it".  Are these general practitioners? Have you seen a sleep specialist?  It seems to me that you need the help of someone who specializes in sleep problems and can understand the severity of your problems when you don’t sleep.  I don’t know too much about Ambien but I have seen postings here from people who have taken it regularly – one person for a couple years, I believe. Please, see a doctor who is both willing and capable of understanding your sleep problems.  Too many doctors know very little about sleep disorders and don’t understand their seriousness. –BillM

Response:

I need some help from anyone who can give it.  I’m 36 years old and I’ve been an insomniac my whole life.  I have trouble getting to sleep and if I get to sleep I can’t stay asleep.  I get 2-3 hours of sleep a night.  When I was young, I started taking antihistamines at night (I had allergies) and although I didn’t feel great the next day, I slept.  Any time I didn’t take them, no sleep.  I’ve gone more than a week with no sleep at different times in my life.  I could take antihistamines until last year, when they started irritating my stomach.  I had to get some help. I follow all of the rules:  no eating after dinner, turn down the lights at night, meditate, stress reduction, blah blah blah.  I’m convinced that whoever came up with the list has never had a sleepless night, because those things don’t seem to matter.  I’ve tried melatonin, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, herbs.  I finally went to the doctor and had a sleep study done.  It came back that my sleep is severely abnormal, I’m not getting to stage 3 or 4, and that I should take antidepressants.   I’ve tried 4 different antidepressants.  I had allergic reactions to 2 of them (Prozac, Effexor), and two made me sick (Pamelor, Serzone).  The only thing that has helped is Ambien, but that’s nothing that anyone will prescribe for me on an ongoing basis.  But it’s heaven.  It’s the only thing that works. Unfortunately, I’m not someone who feels okay without sleep.  I’ve been told by three doctors now just to live with it because that’s the way I am.  I’d almost rather be dead than live like this.  It’s a nightmare (so to speak). Does anyone have anything to offer that I haven’t tried? Thank you.  Sorry if I sound whiney, I’m just sort of desperate. Lori

Response: